Halima Salah

Born in 1992 in Tripoli, Libya, I spent my early years there before life took an unexpected turn. At 19, I was diagnosed with AML5 blood leukemia and had to travel to Istanbul with my family for treatment.

Nothing could have prepared me for what was ahead. The hospital became a battlefield—chemotherapy, pain, and a body fighting to survive. Those days were filled with nightmares, delusions, anxiety, and helplessness. But through it all, the unwavering support of Allah and my family became my anchor. By His grace, I survived, but I emerged as the “isolated girl” in society. My illness had disrupted everything—I was in my final semester of university, studying Botany, when life hit pause.

Drawing had always been a part of my life, my very first language of expression since childhood. But after treatment, I found myself trapped in isolation. My doctor suggested I learn Turkish to rebuild my connection with the world—and it worked. I soon realized that my old life in Tripoli no longer fit, so I chose to stay in Istanbul. I stepped into the corporate world, where I’ve been working ever since. As much as it has shaped me, it has also overwhelmed me—filling my mind, stressing me out, and pushing my anxiety to new heights.

Over the year...

Self thought abstract and mixed media artist.
[2009-2012] Studied Zoology and Botany at Tripoli University, Libya.
[2008] Graduated from Abdul Menam Ryad High School, Libya — high school
[2025 - Present] Business Administration at Altınbaş University — University

CEV Art gallery - “ Square “ Online art Exhibition - July.2025
Blue Koi Gallery - “ A Brush with nature” Online Exhibition - Sep.2025
Light Space Time Gallery - 9th Patterns online Art Exhibition - Oct.2025
Hummingbird and Dragonfly Art Gallery exhibition - Nov.2025
VI. IAAF Istanbul Art Fair - 03-07.Dec.2025